American Idol will kick off its new season on ABC in 2026, and Luke Bryan is optimistic about Carrie Underwood returning as a judge. Underwood, who won the competition in 2005, joined the judging panel in Spring 2025 and received positive feedback from Bryan, who noted that she had a wonderful experience.
While Bryan expresses his belief that Underwood will come back, he remains uncertain about his own participation in the upcoming season. “Idol is kind of a year-by-year, ‘Do we do it or not?’” he stated during his recent conversation at Taste of Country Nights. He emphasized his enjoyment of the show and particularly appreciated having Underwood and fellow judge Lionel Richie alongside him in Season 23.
A premiere date for Season 24 is yet to be announced and is expected to be revealed once the judging panel is finalized.
In terms of compensation, it’s estimated that Bryan earns around $12 million per season, while Underwood’s salary for her stint was reported to be between $10 million and $12.5 million.
This upcoming season promises to be exciting as fans await confirmation of the judges. Bryan’s commitment to enjoying the process and supporting the contestants encourages a positive atmosphere for American Idol.